Everybody knows that Disney is the “Happiest Place on Earth” (or, if we’re being technical, the “Most Magical Place on Earth” if you’re at Walt Disney World Resort), but you may be surprised to learn that some cast members are also convinced its among the most haunted.
Is Disney Haunted?
Over the years, multiple stories have cropped up about potential hauntings on Disney property. Cast members aren’t the only ones relating these tales – some Disney guests have also reported their fair share of spooky encounters (and no, we’re not just talking about the Haunted Mansion).
From unexplained noises to ghostly apparitions, some corners of Mickey Mouse’s domain may hold scares well beyond the capabilities of Walt Disney Imagineering. Here’s a look at some of the most famously haunted spots in Disney.
Three “Ghosts” Have Allegedly Appeared to Guests at Disney World
Pirates of the Caribbean, Magic Kingdom
Legend has it that the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World is home to more than just Audio-Animatronic buccaneers and heavenly-smelling water. The ghost of George, a construction worker who allegedly died during the ride’s building (some versions of the tale claim that he was an Imagineer), is said to haunt Central Florida’s version of the classic Disney attraction.
According to some versions of the legend, the tall, windowed tower visible during the well-dunking and burning city scene is the piece of the set that claimed George’s life. Cast Members have reportedly dubbed it “George’s Tower,” and it’s said to bear his initials carved into its base.
Despite numerous attempts to erase or paint over them, the initials supposedly keep reappearing, as if George’s spirit refuses to be forgotten.
Cast members claim that George’s presence is felt throughout the ride, and they adhere to a daily ritual of greeting and bidding him farewell to keep the ride running smoothly. Those who forget to acknowledge George report mysterious malfunctions and eerie occurrences, such as the ride breaking down.
According to some cast members, if the light in George’s tower is switched on during the burning city scene, it means the ride has a turbulent day ahead.
There has never been an official statement from Disney on this tale, nor has anybody ever actually proved that a worker died during the ride’s construction. To err on the side of caution, however, some attractions cast members still allegedly bid George goodnight.
Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom
Another ghostly figure rumored to roam the streets of Disney World after dark is Roy Disney, Walt Disney’s brother. After Walt’s death in 1966, Roy was instrumental in bringing Walt Disney World to life but sadly passed away just two months after Magic Kingdom’s opening day.
While his legacy is immortalized in bronze at the entrance of Magic Kingdom, it’s said that Roy’s spirit continues to stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., long after the park closes. Numerous guests and Cast Members claim to have glimpsed Roy’s ghost along the iconic walkway leading up to Cinderella Castle.
His presence is often described as a comforting reminder of his dedication to realizing his brother’s dream, making him a guardian of the magic he helped create.
Spaceship Earth, EPCOT
Tower of Terror, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Tower of Terror is a terrifying place by design. The story is set in 1939 when five hotel guests—a celebrity couple, a young girl, her nanny, and a bellhop—enter the elevator during a thunderstorm. As the elevator ascended, a lightning strike causes it to plunge, sending the guests into the Twilight Zone.
But as per urban legend, some of the ghosts here may be more real than you think. According to Notes From Neverland, a former cast member haunts the ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, still dressed in his old bellhop uniform.
Legend has it that he died while working at the attraction and now lingers there as a ghost. Some have claimed to have seen him on the ride, while others have spotted him wandering through the loading area, his presence adding to the ride’s eerie atmosphere.
Disneyland’s Also Seen Its Fair Share of “Spirits”
Space Mountain, Disneyland
One of the indoor roller coaster’s resident ghosts is affectionately known as “Disco Debbie,” who reportedly glows green. As the story goes, she was a cast member who died of an aneurysm behind the Space Mountain building.
The better-known ghost is known as “Mr. One Way,” a man with red hair and a red face who apparently gets into seats next to a single rider. When the ride vehicle returns, he is nowhere to be seen. This is said to be the ghost of a man who died on the ride in the 1970s and is also sometimes seen in Space Mountain’s cast member locker rooms.
Main Street Fire Station, Disneyland
At Disneyland, the Main Street Fire Station is said to be home to a ghostly presence.
As most diehard Disney fans know, the apartment above the station used to belong to Walt Disney himself. This is where he would stay while working on or visiting the theme park. Many have shared stories about a lamp in the apartment that mysteriously turns on by itself. One cleaning lady recalled turning it off, only to find it on again each time she left the room. Since then, the lamp has been left permanently lit.
Some accounts even mention hearing a voice say, “I’m still here.” Additionally, Cast Members have reported hearing footsteps and strange noises coming from the apartment after the park has closed.
Toontown, Disneyland
Cast members have previously claimed that Toontown – the cartoon land home to the likes of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin – is haunted. “The basement of Mickey’s house in Toon Town is not where you want to be alone,” one cast member wrote on Reddit in 2023.
“I’ve personally seen trash cans move when I’m the only one there. I’ve seen reflections of figures in the mirror over my shoulder. Some Cast Members have even said they heard demonic voices there.”
Do you believe ghosts haunt Disney’s theme parks?